A Cotswolds Caper
If you’ve watched the show All Creatures Great and Small, you’ve likely been captured by the beauty of the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales in the UK. Joe and I recently returned from ten days in the Cotswolds with some dear friends, and it was a wonderful trip!
Here are some glimpses . . .
We stayed in Burford and took day trips into the surrounding countryside…
Joe and I traveled with Jerry and Beth Trescott and had the best time. Lots of laughter and wonderful discussions about history (they’re both historians—Jerry from Belmont Mansion and Beth from Carnton). Talk about a “power couple!” We patroned numerous antique shops and country homes. I was in history heaven!
You may remember how I love door and path pics, as so many of you do. I promise you, everywhere you turn in the Cotswolds, there is beauty! I could have walked and strolled the villages and countrysides for weeks. In fact, I came home with an idea for a story that’s already brewing and taking shape. Perhaps another dual timeline story. 
The bed and breakfast where we stayed—the Greyhounds in Burford—was originally built for a wool merchant in the 15th century (history lovers dream!), and later became an inn, then a Temperance Hotel. In 1908 it was restored as a home and was acquired by the present owners in 1999. The Countryman magazine was published at the Greyhounds from 1949 until 2003 and was the creation of J.W. Robertson Scott.
Below is a pic of the historic building from the 1800s, and now current day.
A definite highlight of the trip was visiting Highclere Castle, “home” to Downton Abbey. And also Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace. We spent some time in Oxford, which of course meant running by The Eagle and Child where C.S. Lewis and the Inklings routinely met. The city of Oxford is great (lots of fun bookstores), but I much prefer the Cotswolds and the gorgeous countryside.
I’m so grateful we got to make this trip, even though it came at a very busy time as we were moving into a different house here in Nashville. We got home on a Saturday night then literally started moving the next day. We’re not nearly settled, but we’re getting there—in between unpacking and loving on our precious grandkids (Leo and Ari), and writing toward my September deadline!
Speaking of grands… : ) Oh I adore these kids.
If you’ve stayed with me through all the pictures this far, thank you! Visiting the Cotswolds was a long held desire and I’m grateful we got to experience its rich history and beauty.
Is there a place you’ve long wanted to visit (or have visited)? Please share where and what about that place draws (or drew) you to it. I’d love to know. I may need to add it to my TBT (to be traveled) list!
Hugs from my corner of Nashville,
Tammy
Enjoy this NEW #romance by my friend @NancyNaigle. THE LAW OF ATTRACTION is an absolutely perfect, feel-good summer read! 
